Though Wang Xiaofang refuses to place his works in the category of so-called officialdom literature, he is still considered an important force of this much-loved genre.

On average, officialdom novels sell at least 100,000 copies, according to Qingdao-based Peninsula City News. They frequently top bestseller lists for both bookstores and online reading, soaring to millions in sales.

Experts say readers look to the books to peep into scenes they're eager to know more about and to learn workplace skills.